Next generation shines at D214 Arts Spotlight

Over the years, High School District 214 alumni have represented the fine and performing arts with distinction - carving out names for themselves as accomplished actors, performers, vocalists, musicians, painters, sculptors, screenwriters, authors and more using skills honed in District 214 classrooms.

The community now is invited to see the next generation.

Select student artists from across the district will convene Monday, March 18, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights for the District 214 Arts Spotlight, a first-ever evening of exhibits and performances.

The event, hosted by the District 214 Education Foundation, in partnership with the district's Fine and Performing Arts departments, will benefit the newly established District 214 Arts Fund, empowering opportunities for career exploration and success. Appetizers from local restaurants, as well as a cash bar, will be available.

Tickets are available at www.214foundation.org/arts; pricing is $25 online in advance or $30 at the door.

Stephen Colella, an alumnus of both District 214 and Broadway who now is leading Wheeling High School's choral program, will emcee the evening.

"Those of us within District 214 know the talent that is here, and many of our parents do, too," said Jeremy Morton, the district's fine and performing arts coordinator.

"This is an opportunity for our entire community to really see, appreciate and celebrate these amazing students and the work they do."

Each District 214 school is sending representatives to the event, resulting in a lineup of jazz, a cappella groups, dancers, vocalists and musicians. Work by student 2-D and 3-D artists will be on display throughout the event in the lobby.

"We're positioning this as a fabulous opportunity to celebrate today's talent while funding the future," said Tom Munz, chairman of the District 214 Education Foundation board of trustees.

"This arts fund will provide new opportunities for our students, allowing them to see firsthand careers that exist and align with their passion, but that they might not immediately think of. Our role as a foundation is to ensure our students' success, and this event certainly is helping do that."

The event is sponsored by Edward Jones - Yev Kozachuk. More sponsorships are available. For sponsorship information, contact joanne.krestel@d214.org.

The District 214 Education Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization supporting student innovation, success and lifelong learning beyond the limitations of conventional funding for education. To learn more, visit www.214foundation.org.